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engine dating questions
luke2152 - 3/9/13 at 07:59 PM

Well I'm a fair way off finishing but thought I'd ask a few questions about the IVA and registration process. I believe emissions standards changed in mid '95 and go off engine manufacture date. I'm using a '96 registered mx5 donor so I guess there is a good chance the engine was made before the cutoff. Would that mean I don't need a cat and get an easier test? (If it is made before cutoff and I could prove it). If not could I just get a Q plate and avoid emission test and cat altogether (that would sound too easy!). Not that I'd expect to fail but everything else you can check yourself by looking or feeling....

Slimy38 - 3/9/13 at 08:38 PM

Sounds like you're in a similar boat to me! I went for a 92 MX5, but I've noticed the V5 doesn't have the engine number on it so I'm going to have to prove the age. I suspect a letter or phone call to Mazda will get me the details I need. Fingers crossed it's not had a new engine otherwise I'm screwed!

I was also aiming for the August 95 cutoff date (hopefully I'm well clear of it!). From what I've read, there are two parts to emissions tests;

1. The emissions test for IVA. This is based on engine date regardless of whether you're going for a Q plate or not. So even if you want to go for the easy route, if you have a young enough engine you'll still need to meet the emissions for an IVA pass.
2. Emissions test for MOT's. This is where the Q plate gets the 'smoke test only' rule, whereas an age related plate will get the appropriate emissions restrictions. Either way will have been recorded earlier and will be present on your V5C (if the DVLA do their job right!).

I also 'believe' that requiring a catalytic convertor is not necessarily part of the deal, although it's extremely difficult to get the lower emissions without one.

I hope someone will either confirm or deny this interpretation of the rules.

Slimy38 - 3/9/13 at 08:41 PM

This might help you in your search;

http://mx5-haynes-roadster.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/applying-for-proof-of-donorengine-age.html

(I hope Skov doesn't mind me linking to his blog, but it's a really useful bit of info!)

skov - 3/9/13 at 09:18 PM

I don't mind at all

adithorp - 3/9/13 at 09:19 PM

The emissions test at IVA is in no way related to what registration you're going for. IVA run be VOSA and reg' done by DVLA.

Which of the two types of emission test you have to do does depend on the date of manufacture of your engine. If you can't prove it's from pre' the cut of date you'll need a cat to pass.

dhutch - 4/9/13 at 04:46 AM

quote:
engine dating questions


Saw the title and my automatic response was 'match.com?'


Daniel

luke2152 - 4/9/13 at 06:22 AM

quote:
Originally posted by dhutch
quote:
engine dating questions


Saw the title and my automatic response was 'match.com?'


Daniel


Ah yes meet BP2. She is a tight Japanese 17 year old who loves a good thrashing

coyoteboy - 4/9/13 at 03:26 PM

Similar boat to me. If you can't prove exact engine age you will have to meet the iva test for the newest possible age of that engine model. (I.e. my engine was made 95-97, it gets tested as a 97.)
MOT is a different matter.

loggyboy - 4/9/13 at 03:40 PM

quote:
Originally posted by dhutch
Ah yes meet BP2. She is a tight Japanese 17 year old who loves a good thrashing


Eeek im abount to rip the arse out of a 15 year old dagenham girl called Zeta - any relation to Catherine in wonder?

[Edited on 4-9-13 by loggyboy]

coyoteboy - 4/9/13 at 05:42 PM

Mines a 17 year old German